Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1887-11-22
EnterSa1nmon
THE FIRST SYMPHONY CONCERT.

The first of the series of Theodore Thorn
Haven Concert association, was given at the
Hyperion Theater last evening. The audi
ence was very much larger than those which
attended the Boston symphony orchestra
concerts last season. The programme was q
carefully selected one and its rendition was
evidently highly appreciated. The orchestra
mbered sixty five musicians who obey the
baton of their conductor without hesitation
or question. No doubt the Hyperionites
were able to detect flaws in their playing,
but the errors cannot be attributed to the
fact that the performers have not learned To
follow their leader. The personnel of the
orchestra is hardly equal to that of the Bos-
ton symphony orchestra. Last season it was
about as much pleasure to see the musicians
play as it was to hear their music. The
places of Herr Kneisel and his white-haired
companion who led the first violins, Herr
Giese, whose cello solo at the first concert
last year is still remembered, and last but
not least, Herr Reiter, the leader of as fine
a quartette of French horn players as
can be found anywhere, were filled
by musicians who to New Haven audiences
will probably be forever nameless. Theodore
Thomas has been the chief exponent of Wag-
ner's music in this country and the "Huldi-
gung's Marsch" and "Faust overture" were
0SSSAAAR' AA~
fifth symphony, which was the most impor-
tant number on the programme, is said to
have been the first in which Beethoven ex-
pressed himself freely and absolutely and
discarded all traces of Journalism to give q
perfect utteranee of his musical feeling. It
is certainly the most forcible and least con-
ventional of the nine symphonies which its
composer gave to the world. The first move
ment, which has been aptly styled t'The
struggle with FATE" is one of the most thor
oughly characteristic of Beethoven's compo-
sitions. Mr.. Thomas Interpretation of this
great work is one that should be listened
to and admired, but not criticised by
an audience who SO rarely hear clas-
steal music c1assically performed.
The audience seemed to appreciate this
fact and therefore bestowed upon this selec-
ton large share of their applause. The
admirable piano playing by Miss Aus der Ohe
here last March was SO enthusiastically re
ceived that the management wisely decided
to secure her services for the first concert
this season. Her selection, Schumann's con-
certo, is very difficult and especially so in the
last movement of it. But all its difficulties
were surmounted with apparent ease by this
talented artistic, and the applause which fol-
lowed called her before the audience three
times. Finding that second solo was de-
manded of her, Miss Aus der Ohe played
Liszt's F'Spinner-lied" as it was taught her
by its composer. The Hungarian music
which concluded the concert was just
light and pleasing enough to send the
audience home with desire to hear
the next one, which will be given
on Wednesday evening, December IA. The
programme for the second concert will COM
sist of Haydn's symphony in E fiat, the dra-
matte symphony 'Romeo and Juliet" by
Belioz, and the symphonic poem "Shakes-
peares Tempest" by J. z. Paine of Boston.
In addition to these Miss Griswold, who has
recently scored a success in New York city,
will sing two selections. This programme is
an exact reproduction of the symphony con-
cert to be given at Steinway Hall tomorrow
evening and will require an increased orches-
ira to perform it.